Question about ADD/ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers...?

Question

Right now... I don't know.

I don't know if it's personality

I don't know if it's because I'm not discipling enough.. however, I try.

I don't know if it could really be ADHD.

Maybe it's just normal extremly hyperactive behavior... he is a kid.

I've read up a little on some wesites... however I can't really diagnose anything.

My son is 3... about to be 4 in September.

Obviously he shows signs... He doesn't listen....one... *lol.. but what child always listens? This is VERY OFTEN.

He gets incredibly excited over things. Even being happy... he'll get excited and just rub his head on me or his baby brother to show excitment, affection. Gets really bouncy... acts to be in hyperdrive state... alot.

Throws terrible tantrums. I don't give in either... just doesn't seem to get any better though.

I could go on and on...

Do you have a toddler/ preschooler or know one who has this condition?

Any suggestions? Should I take it so far to contact a Dr.

Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Talk to his pediatrician about it and see what they say.  If the pediatrician has seen signs in their office then they might want to refer you to a specialist to get a better idea.  Without really seeing your son I couldn't tell you if he was overly hyper or not.  I have met some kids that just are bundles of energy and easily excited that the Dr's say it is just their metabolism and nothing to be concerned about.  ADHD is best diagnosed during schooltime, so if your son is in preschool that will give you a better idea.  With ADHD they can't sit still in school, the wiggle in their chair and can't focus on one thing for very long at all.  Some can for example be trying to color a picture but they have to stand up to do it or they will be wiggling in their seat like they are about to pee their pants or something.  If you son is to that point where car rides are horrible or having to sit still is horrible for him then i would say ADHD but if he is able to sit and listen to a story and pay attention to things and doesn't wiggle around like he has to pee then i would say he is just a very energetic and excitable kid.  Either way take notes and talk to the Dr about it.

Answer 2

3 might be a bit early but you are his mom and you know your child best. i got a lot of flack when i thought the same thing about my 4 yr old but i monitored him close watched what his activity was during the day and honestly kept a log of what he did for how long  and when he would get angry i wrote down the time it happened what made it happen and how long it lasted until he was calm. when he started 1st grade i didnt tell his teachers anything about was i was doing at home he was in a class for anger issues they brought it to my attention that he may be ADHD at 4 so i took their advise and kept watching him he would bring home a daily "passport" all his activity during the school day . when it got to the point of him not sitting still through lessons and not being able to sit still i took him to his DR. who then gave me survey type thing that his dad me and 3 teachers filled out after his DR. reviewed them  he was diagnosed with ADHD and Bi-Polar Disorder which in a child that young thank god i caught it early. he has been on meds now and is a totally different child. he does his homework with out being asked as well as chores (he is 9 now) his anger issues have subsided. i guess what i am trying to say is ALOT of people say he is to young to be diagnosed. if you have a good repore with your DR i would definitly mention the possibility he is your son and the sooner you catch it the better for your child. i wish you the bes tof luck....=) also my son isn't medicated for 24/7 it is for 8 hours just long enough for him to concentrate in school don't get me wrong he still gets wild at times but it is different he is still himself with no personality change (which was my biggest concern) he is very active and very bright i believe the meds help him concentrate and give him that extra 60 seconds of "is this a good choice im making, should i do this. gosh i hope i am making sense again good luck to you. =)

Answer 3

I asked a psychiatrist this question about my 2  1/2 yr old and he said it's way too early to tell. They have to be 5 or older.

Answer 4

When you look at diagnosing any child with a mental health disorder/problem, you look at whether or not their behavior is interfering with their life.  I'm hard pressed to believe a four year old has symptoms of ADD/ADHD that are causing him stress.  Some kids have more energy.  When he hits school, this is when you may want to consider a diagnosis, provided he is having trouble in school or with relationships.  The medication is not meant to make the child easier to deal with, that is a side effect.  It's meant to make things easier for the child.  And, as someone who has taken those meds, I can tell you they are no picnic.  They hurt your stomach, keep you from sleeping, give you diarrhea, and if you take them long enough, give you severe anxiety and paranoia.  They should be used as a last resort, not because your kid is more energetic and stubborn than other kids.

Answer 5

You should talk to his pediatrician about what he does and get a reading on whether you should be concerned.

There are children that age who do listen most of the time.  Acting "hyper" and excited can be normal for that age, although he's kind of old for tantrums.

There's a chance, though, it isn't him but, instead, something you're doing (some way you're talking to him or something that is making him very frazzled and frustrated).

Pediatricians usually are the people to start with.  S/he will know whether you should look farther into it.

Answer 6

My son was also very active when he was that young.  You just need to channel their energy into something useful. Read a book, draw, play games. Some people suggested that get him to have some drugs to make him less hyper.. but I just kept him busy. He is almost 10 now.. drug free. We have taught him to focus by constantly reminding him  and explaining to him how important it is to focus. He is doing well in class and I am happy I did not lose hope.

Answer 7

Sounds like a normal kid to me.

ADD/ADHD is extremely hard (if even possible) to diagnose in a child that young. Toddlers and preschoolers are inattentive and overactive by nature.

Stay firm and consistent with your discipline.

Answer 8

He is way to young to accurately diagnose.  I was going to have my son tested and they told me he was to young. People are to quick to say when a child has adhd. Your son may be a little more hyper than other kids but that doesn't mean he has it.

Answer 9

He sounds a typical three year old to me !

Answer 10

I would explain this to a Dr. but I would also just let him just be happy and play with other kids. Just pray about it, everything will work out for the best. Love conquers all.

Answer 11

Don't try to diagnose him yourself.  You will undoubtedly fail.

You say nothing about his routine.  Does he even have one?

The most important factor in bringing up baby is routine and consistency.  

For example:

Get up at 7 a.m.; have breakfast at 8 a.m.; snack at 10 a.m.; lunch at noon; nap (or quiet time alone) at 1 p.m. for 2 hours; snack at 4 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; bed at 8 p.m.  

You will have a much happier child, one who is well-rested and well fed.  By "snack" I don't mean soda and candy, but maybe 4 oz milk and a cookie, or some raw veggies or a piece of fruit or 4oz fruit juice.  

Your child may be sugar-sensitive.  Cut out as much sugar as you can, especially after dinner, and see if his behavior improves.

As for consistency, if you correct a certain behavior today, you must correct it every time it occurs.  You can't discipline your kid for pulling pots out of the cabinet today and let him get away with it tomorrow.  It's not fair to the kid.   Discipline him consistently and within a week, he won't be pulling your pots out of the cabinet.  

If you're just too lazy to get out of your chair most days, he will be pulling pots out of the cabinet until he grows out of it and it's not fair of you to occasionally decide you don't want to hear the clatter or clean up the mess and take it out on him.

Most kids won't listen if you're not consistent.  This really affects their behavior the most.  My son used to totally ignore his father no matter how many times he told him to stop something.  I would only have to speak to him one time - and sometimes that one time was to say "Did you hear your father?" and he'd stop whatever he was doing immediately.  

My husband claimed that our son was afraid of me.  I said no, our son knows there are no consequences for not listening to you.  On the other hand, he also knew that if I got up or headed in his direction, he had a smack on the bottom coming and there was no place to hide.  

As for his emotional displays, that may simply be a lack of self-control.  When he's excited, try holding him closely and calming him.  When he's in a temper, send him to the bathroom.  Do not allow him to have his fits in front of you where it disrupts the entire household.  Put him in the bathroom and shut the door.  Tell him he can come out when he stops crying.  Leave him a cup of water and a warm washcloth.  You'll be surprised how fast temper tantrums end when there's no audience.

If all else fails, yes, you want to bring his behavior to the attention of a doctor for evaluation.  You'll probably be referred to a mental health professional as behavior modification is a big factor in working with children with ADD.

Answer 12

I am by no means an expert, but it seems to me that in today's society there is a biological condition that explains everything from belching to shopping addittions, to robbing a bank.  And the solution to all these things is diagnosing the "problem" and medicating the "patient".

I don't know you nor your child.  I have heard the boys are a bit more "wild" than girls. (I have 2 girls).  Behavior is a direct reaction to environment and experiences.  It could be that he is a normal boy, or at least acting normal for him.  Raising children is the hardest job in the world.  All to often parents want to be the child's friend- when they need to be the parent, there is time to be friends when they are grown.  Kid's need boundries, discipline and consequence.  They actually crave it.  The sooner this is established , the easier it is to deal with.

You child may have "issues", or he could just be a normal boy, and/or a normal boy that needs more boundries and consistency.

I would contact your pedo with your concerns but do you research and don't jump on the ADD/ADHD band wagon until you have thoroughly explored all other explainations.

Answer 13

THIS DOES NOT EXIST.. THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT THE DISEASE IS ONLY IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE IT IN SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE CASES!!!!! RITALIN IS HORRIBLE.. AND PLEASE DONT MEDICATE YOUR KID.. HES JUST A KID.. MY SON IS THE SAME AGE AND ACTS THE SAME WAY.

Answer 14

He sounds like a spirited child. http://parenting.ivillage.com/gs/gsbehav...

It is not a condition or disability, and needs no treatment from a professional.  

Spirited children are simply "more."  They need love, understanding and support, especially these days, when teachers, friends, and strangers like to make amateur diagnoses and try to get kids medicated for everything.

Answer 15

sounds like he may have some issues...sensory included. Both my sons have some sensory issues and my oldest is on the autism spectrum.  Your best bet with his age is to contact your local elementary school and ask them to do a developmental screen or a multi-factored evaluation. they have you fill out reams of forms about your pregnancy, and the way your child reacted to things as  a baby, and what he currently does. they will either tell you he is fine, or they will guide you in the right direction to get the therapy he needs.

until you can do this you may want to go to your local library and try to find a book called "the out of sync child". it deals with sensory dis function and how it affects behavior. what you think might be ADD/ADHD could just be his way of dealing with sensory issues

Answer 16

If you have concerns, then you should absolutely take him to see a psychologist.  If he is in fact ADHD then the sooner you know and begin treatment (behavioral or medicinal, whichever you and your doctor agree upon) then the better the outcome for your child in the future.

Answer 17

You can't diagnose either one of those in a child so young.  They are ALL hyperactive and have the attention span of a hummingbird!  They're kids.  Let them play and play with them more - PHYSICAL play (run, jump, hop, climb, etc.)  Wear their little butts out - that's the way kids run down steam.

Answer 18

ok....

i am a offspring to the ADD/ADHD diagnosis... at the age of 4 i was on a few differnt narcotic drugs....but hey after attempting suicide and looseing my mind at the start of puberty from all the nasty side effects ...i am fine now...they did have the adhd right ...or well i still have it as an adult....i admit that i had a lot of issues in life but feeling like i would only act good when i took my meds ...as a child....doesnt register as a child...and if  i got into trouble i would just take a nother pill without anyone knowing....there are so many things out now about long term effects with meds and also healthy alternitve and special diets that hopefully even mis diagnosed children can benifit from...along with a sedinary lifestyle most kids are trained to have from t.v. and video games...to all the added "enriched" crud that we as parents think cant be to bad for kids it is no wander they have problems....any suger used to be a treat...!!! kids drink it like water...candy ? maybe a once a week thing...now ...water....all the added color and flavoring...the food we eat now unless we grow it are self  isnt even food an more.... and as americans we should be demanding the best for our children....and i am just as guilty  so i am not preaching...anyway

the real trouble in the diagnoses is finding a reliable psychatrist  that wont just jump to the conclusion and right a presciptiuon for a narcotic....

oh and btw my husband is is 16 yrs older than me never recalled there being that diagnoses when he was growing up...most kids then had to play outside and either helped the parents with chores or worked...and were generally to tired by the end of the day....

if he has it to also it is a talent ....google adhd and read the postive things and how you can teach him to harness and use this incredible talent called a problem in society...

the guy who owns virgin records has ADD/ADHD

hmmmmmmm.....

Answer 19

My little brother Boston has ADHD.

He's 6.

He had the same signs as your boy,

my mom and i brought him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with ADHD.

The doctor prescribed some drugs that help him to calm down and not be so crazy.

(when he gets really excited he can get violent.)

my mom doesnt like to use them just because she doesnt want drugs going through him so young, if you're this way too then you should just see a doctor.

Don't worry, they grow out of it eventually =]

Answer 20

You can talk to your doctor or you can contact your local school district.  Our local school district are the ones whol helped diagnose my child (he has Autism, not ADHD).  But they might still be able to help you.  Express your concerns and see if they can provide you with an accessment.  If they feel there is an issue, they will most likely enroll him in some sort of early start to try and get him prepared for school.  On the other hand, he may just be being a kid.  The bottom line is, if you are concerned than talk to someone who is qualified to give you the anwers you need ;-)

Answer 21

My two year old is always running and yelling, it doesn't mean he has ADD, it means he's two and has a lot of energy. He doesn't listen because he is trying stuff out on his own. My son bangs his head on his pillow repeatably to get a laugh out of me. He doesn't have a problem, he is two.

Please don't have a doctor medicate your toddler, let him be a kid. Kids run around and get wild. It's normal. He is too young to be diagnosed anyway.

Answer 22

You have gotten some great advice and some not so great advice. Here's mine!

I have an 11 year old nephew that had a lot of the same behaviors as a toddler. He was a little hellion! He didn't really talk (only his mother "understood" him, I'm not really sure if she really did!) He would have horrible fits, he had weird obessions the light switch was his favorite. He would flip it on and off all day if they let him.

This was all before about 3, so my sister (at the request of my mother) called the school district and set up an evaluation.  He was diagnosed with numerous issues, including sensory, physical, and developemental issues. He was given an official diagnosis of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Delays-Not otherwise specified) He started physical,occupational,and speech therapy until about 4 or so. Once he started school the therapies started to slow down.

Anyway, he is now diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome which is on the same spectrum as Autism and I believe ADD/ADHD will still be joining the spectrum as well.

Don't let this scare you my nephew is really bright (in the gifted program) he still has some behavior issues that only medicine seem to work, he is on GFCF diet and has some "quirks".

He's a great kid and is working on his issues.

The point of my book, is talk to your son's doctor, maybe set up an evaluation. Your son will actually enjoy the testing, they think they are "playing" and they have a blast and maybe you will be able to rest a bit easier once the eval. is completed.

Good Luck!

Answer 23

I wouldn't be so concerned with a dr. yet.  They can't diagnose ADD/ADHD at that age.  Try redirecting his extra energy.  If he's too happy and bouncing around the house, maybe give him some fingerpaints, or bldg blocks, or if it's nice out let him run outside.  If it's a tantrum, do NOT feed into it.  That's exactly what he wants.  Ignore the tantrum, and when he's calmed down talk to him about it.  And believe me--he'll understand.  It's good that you don't give in, but just make sure it's a battle worth fighting for.  If it is...then kudos for standing your ground, but if there could be a compromise, then try it for both of your sakes.  My son used to hit me when he had tantrums, and when I learned to step back and breathe, before I reacted, I was able to discipline him more effectively.  And then we would talk about it when he was calmed down.  He is 5 now, and has calmed down so much in just the past year.   Good luck